[Rack Performer 0.96-alpha - detailed release notes]

--[Version 0.96-alpha]--

[FEATURE] Major rework of the keyboard mapping types (simpler, more consistent and uniform)

There are now two main mapping types: those that change or act on the current control focus target, and standard actions keys like "send note", "set direct value" etc. Furthermore, some action keys like "set percent value" can be configured as wildcards, meaning they will act on any control currently having keyboard focus. This means that a single key can be multi-purpose and be coupled with other keys that change the control focus.

[FEATURE] New keyboard layout selection and configuration dialog allows to setup the keyboard mapper easily

This dialog will popup the first time you try to use the keyboard mapper. For now there are 3 standard keyboard layouts available. Select the one matching your keyboard, then click the "calibrate" button to start the calibration process. This has to be done once before using the keyboard mapper.

[FEATURE] Keyboard follows and can also change module control focus (aka Keyboard control focus)
[FEATURE] Keyboard focus lock can force keyboard control focus to stay on a given module until manually unlocked

Current focus target is displayed on the keyboard mapper window. If control focus is changed (ex: by clicking on a module GUI) then keyboard focus follows (unless it's locked) Alternatively, key mappings to change the control focus target can also be created.

[FEATURE] Control combo mode for numeric pad keys adds extra controls to interact with the focus target

Numeric keyboard pad can be configured to behave like a multi-purpose controller. Depending on current control focus target, numbers can act as percent control or to select preset numbers. "+" and "-" keys either increment or decrement target value if it's a parameter, or recall next / previous preset if target is a module. "/" and "*" change the selected bank and "." toggles the module Cut-port (mute or bypass)

[MODULE] New mini blank GUI wrapper, smallest possible GUI while retaining full control focus ability

This is a very small wrapper if you need space on screen but at the same time also need to be able to access the module (right click popup menu and control focus work)

[DETAIL] Global control ports can be mapped directly via their associated window (monitor, metronome, screens, snapshots etc)
[DETAIL] Scene snapshots have a new global control port for external mapping
[DETAIL] Screen switchers have a new control port for external mapping (one per monitor)

Try to right-click on the various floating windows and you'll see the usual parameter context menu, with quick-mapping options etc.

[DETAIL] Simplified keyboard submap types, all types are now properly implemented (keys, controls, presets and blank)

The "keys" submap type transforms your keyboard into a MIDI/notes controller acting on the current keyboard control focus target. "Presets" submaps have predefined keys to select banks and individual presets within the selected bank, again acting on the control focus target, and remaining keys in the submap can be configured as "module selector" for instance. "Controls" submaps have a predefined row to set focused parameter value from 0 to 100%, plus generic increment and decrement keys. This mode can be used with "port selector" keys to change the target on the fly.

[DETAIL] Keyboard mappings can control specific ports or follow module control focus (wild card mappings)

When creating a new key mapping, leave the "target" or "module" fields blank to make the key a wildcard mapping.

[DETAIL] New option to make screens follow module control focus (or not)

This is enabled by default but it can be problematic or unwanted in some situations, so you can disable it in "general" configuration tab.

[DETAIL] Preset management window behaviour is more consistent (pinned popup or control focus mode)

When the preset window is displayed for a specific module by right clicking in its presets box or using the module context menu, the window is locked to this particular module until a preset is recalled or the window is closed. When the preset window is displayed using the "view" menu (Ctrl+P) it follows module control focus.

[DETAIL] Clock and global application control ports mappings are correctly saved to document
[DETAIL] Clock location and parameters are saved to document

This had to be implemented at some point, now it's done!

[DETAIL] Tempo tap now takes current time signature into account

Because you don't tap the same way depending on time signature, and also because our tempo parameter is always expressed in quarter notes per minute (QNPM)

[FIX] Improved VST support (many previously crashing plugins should work now)
[FIX] Corrected VST scanner and simplified black-listing code (previous version could produce false positives)

Most bug reports we received for previous version revolved around VST issues, we hope most of them are fixed now. Please let us know if you have problems with specific plugins.

[FIX] Monitor group dialog made application crash under Windows Vista (and following versions)

This bug was there for a long time, now it's gone!

[FIX] Selecting GUI wrappers for internal modules didn't work properly
[FIX] Increased delay before refreshing window when editing presets and scnene snapshots
[FIX] Under some particular configurations, switching screens could blink sometimes
[FIX] Fixed a display bug in preset management window (ghost presets when empty)
[FIX] Bug in patcher allowed to create patch links to hidden pins (variable I/O bundles only)
[FIX] Removed redraw flicker in Virtual Keyboard

..and those are mostly cosmetic changes.